Lee believes Nation fully deserved win over Ashington

Brian Bennett

Celtic Nation boss Tony Lee believed his outfit deservedly took the three points after executing a 2-0 victory over Ashington at the Gillford Park Stadium on Saturday.

Lee – formerly manager of a number of sides in the Northern League as well as Gateshead – said: “I thought we deserved to win. As a squad, we were down to the bare bones and were forced to name an outfield player in goal.

“Our keeper is suspended and the lad who is back-up for him was ruled out with working commitments, so that was hard for us as well.”

However, Lee gave the Colliers camp – and manager Gary Middleton – a massive compliment.

“To be fair, I thought Ashington played some good football, but they hardly had any shots during the game,” he added.

“I would say possession was 50-50 but they have got a strong and very workmanlike side and the manager Gary Middleton has got them organised.

“I can see them doing really well next year.

“You can see they are going to cause teams lots of problems, and they were up for it as well – and if you have got a team like that then you have got a chance.”